Are You Decreasing?

John the Baptist made this statement early on in Jesus’ ministry. Let’s notice the context of this passage.

John 3:25-29 Then there arose a question between some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. (26) And they came unto John, and said unto him, Rabbi, he that was with thee beyond Jordan, to whom thou barest witness, behold, the same baptizeth, and all men come to him. (27) John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. (28) Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. (29) He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.

By the time that Jesus began his ministry, John the Baptist had already developed a following of his own. So much so that his followers were concerned about the “competition” that they perceived Jesus offered John (verse 26).

The statement that John makes in verse 30, that we are focusing on today, was part of a response to those followers. John is explaining to them his ultimate role. He says that “I am not the Christ” (verse 28), but rather just preparing the way for him. John understood his place in the grand scheme of things....The question is Do We understand OUR Place?

This statement: “He must increase, but I must decrease” is also applicable to each of us that desire to be followers of Jesus! When we become Christians, we are to submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus.

Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.

James 4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

If Jesus is to be the Lord, Ruler, Controller of our lives, He must continue to increase in authority and the influence in our lives. For that to happen, we must, by necessity, continue to decrease in control of our own lives.

Matthew 6:24 & 33 No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.....(33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Are you decreasing so Jesus can increase?

Avoiding Condemnation

John 3:17-18 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (18) He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

So much attention in John chapter 3 is directed at verse 16. However, we find a very powerful truth in our text today. We are told that the purpose of Jesus’ coming was not to condemn the world but that world might have the opportunity to be saved.

However, we must not read this too quickly. We should not conclude that because he did not come for the purpose of condemning the world that condemnation is not possible. That may not have been the reason for which he came but it is an unfortunate outcome none the less. In verse 18 is the real key here. You see, Jesus did not need to condemn the world, because it was condemned already! The world is condemned because of the sin in our individual lives. That is the reason we needed Jesus to come to offer salvation...because without him and his enormous sacrifice, we were already lost.

Proper Love Towards God!

John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This passage is probably the most recognizable verse in all of the Bible. It informs us about how much our creator loves us and desires that w have everlasting life. So much so that he gave his only begotten Son as a sacrifice.

What I want to focus on this morning is the manifestation of God’s love and the example that it sets for us. God SO loved that he GAVE! He was so motivated by his love for us that it moved him to take action in a positive way to help us. So what does that mean for us? At one point in time, Jesus was asked what was the most commandment in the Law? Here is his response....

Matthew 22:36-38 Master, which is the great commandment in the law? (37) Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (38) This is the first and great commandment.

Jesus says that the greatest, most important commandment that God wants from us... Is to Love him with ALL of our beings. So what does it mean to love God? I think the example that God made for us in John 3:16 is the answer. We should love him back...by giving of ourselves!

Romans 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. (2) And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

We should give of our time to God. We should give of our talents to God. We should give of our money to God. We should give our all! Christianity should not be a spectator “sport”. Neither should it be only when we worship.

God SO loved that he GAVE...should we love him back any less?

The Great Do-Over

John 3:1-3 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews: (2) The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. (3) Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

When I was a child, I would often play games, like tag, with a number of neighborhood kids. Almost every game there would be a dispute among players. To end the dispute quickly, some one would simply yell out “Do Over” and magically we would act like nothing ever happened and we would resume the game.

Have you ever wanted a “Do-Over” in your adult life. I certainly have more times than I care to remember. But in real life it is not that easy.

However, Jesus, while talking to a follower named Nicodemus, informs us about a spiritual “Do-Over”. As humans, we disappoint our creator because of sin in our lives. Because of that sin we are separated from God (Isaiah 59:1-2). Unfortunately, there is nothing that we can do on our own to create this “Do-Over” effect that would allow us to be reconciled back to God.

But Jesus says there is a “Do-Over”. We must be born again! It is not a physical rebirth as Ncodemus imagined, but a spiritual rebirth. Jesus does not give us all of the details of how this is achieved in this passage, but simply makes us aware of its possibility. However, throughout the rest of his ministry, he fills in the gaps. Jesus says that we MUST:

1. Believe in Him: John 3:16

2. Repent of our Sins: Luke 13:3

3. Confess Him Before Men: Matt 10:32-33

4. Be Baptized for the Remission of Sins : Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, Acts 22:16

5. Be Faithful Until Death: Rev. 2:10

If your life is not what you need it to be...if you know that you are separated from God, If you need a Spiritual “Do-Over, there is nothing that you can do on your own to repair that damage. However, God has put a system in place by which he will accept us back as his children and allow us to be reborn to walk in the NEWNESS of life. What a beautiful thought that we can have such an awesome blessing from a God that loves us so much!

Was Jesus Really a Bartender?

John 2:1-11 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there: (2) And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. (3) And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. (4) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee? mine hour is not yet come. (5) His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. (6) And there were set there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. (7) Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. (8) And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. (9) When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was: (but the servants which drew the water knew;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, (10) And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now. (11) This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him.

Within the last month, the town in which I live brought a ballot initiative before the public on whether to expand the sale of alcoholic beverages in our county. I was against it! I had many discussions on the issue mostly regarding the economic impact to the community. Frankly, I could care less about the economic impact. But I had some individuals that wanted to argue that the issue had no moral or religious basis. Some were religious people and this passage is the one verse that is ALWAYS referenced in trying justify the behavior while still remaining a follower of Jesus. So the question has to be asked. Did Jesus create and ultimately serve alcoholic beverages in this passage? Essentially, was Jesus a bartender?

Before we look at the passage itself we need to understand some basic principles.

1Peter 2:21-22 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: (22) Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:

We have to work off of the premise that regardless what was done in John 2, it could not have been a sin! Jesus was absolutely SINLESS in this event and all others.

James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Not only could Jesus not have sinned, he also, in order to be sinless, he could not lead, encourage, tempt, or otherwise foster an environment to allow others to sin. That was absolutely contrary to the nature and mission of Jesus. So as a sinless, practicing Jew, what would be Jesus’ basis of knowledge for alcohol?

Proverbs 20:1 Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging: and whosoever is deceived thereby is not wise.

Proverbs 31:4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine; nor for princes strong drink:

Isaiah 5:11 Woe unto them that rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink; that continue until night, till wine inflame them!

Proverbs 23:29-32 Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? (30) They that tarry long at the wine; they that go to seek mixed wine. (31) Look not thou upon the wine when it is red, when it giveth his colour in the cup, when it moveth itself aright. (32) At the last it biteth like a serpent, and stingeth like an adder.

Romans 13:13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

Ephesians 5:18 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;

Habakkuk 2:15 Woe unto him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!

The bible does not just contain one or two vague references to dangers and warnings of the alcoholic beverage. It is full of them and I did not even try to find the ones that referenced drunkenness!

So let’s get to our main text today. What happened? No doubt, Jesus had servants take 6 waterpots, fill them with water and when it was served, it was a different substance other than water. In fact it was a form of the juice of the grape. That is not under dispute. Jesus truly performed a miracle here. The question here is, at the same moment that Jesus conducted his first public miracle, did he also commit a sin by serving alcohol? I contend that IF it was an alcoholic beverage, it had to be a sin due to the verses we have already shown. I think the real key to this passage is in verse 10.

John 2:10 And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse: but thou hast kept the good wine until now.

The governor of the feast was surprised at the “new” beverage that was brought out because of a very simple principle. The more people eat and drink the less discerning they are. So good quality refreshments are served first and then lesser quality is brought in later. Notice what is said here about these people. They “have well drunk”. I do not believe that the word drunk implies intoxication, but rather just the past tense of “drink”. But regardless, they had PLENTY to drink of the family’s “wine” prior to Jesus serving his beverage. So if we automatically assume that all “wine” mentioned in the Bible is alcoholic, then at least some of these folks were on their way to being intoxicated. If that is the case, and we assume that the beverage had to be alcoholic, then Jesus, undisputedly was contributing to their intoxication and therefore Jesus sinned that day! That is the only conclusion that can be drawn based on the assumption that Jesus turned water into an alcoholic beverage. This simply cannot be!

So what is my explanation? Jesus turned water into FRESH grape juice! The Bible uses the word “wine” to refer to the juice of the grape in many forms including fresh.

Isaiah 65:8 This is the word of the Lord: As the new wine is seen in the grapes, and they say, Do not send destruction on it, for a blessing is in it: so will I do for my servants, in order that I may not put an end to them all. (NIV)

Here the word “wine” was used to refer to the juice while still inside the grape. Would anybody really try to say that was alcoholic? Absolutely not. So, just because we see the word “wine” we must not conclude that it is alcohol, but rather allow the context to determine that.

In the context of this passage, Jesus adds to the people’s consumption. If it was alcoholic, Jesus was then placed in the role of committing a SIN! Since Jesus did not sin, Jesus could not have produced alcohol that day!

It’s About the Message!

John 1:37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

Why do people go to church? Why do many claim christianity as their religion? Why do people wear crucifixes? Why do folks claim to be followers of Jesus?

The answers to these questions are clearly wide and varied. But one thing is for sure...not everyone that goes to church, claims Christianity, wears a crucifix or even claims to be followers is not doing it for the right reason.

I have heard people tell me that they are a “christian” because their mom and dad were and they “passed it down”....but they really don’t do anything with it. I have often seen the pop singer Madonna wear huge crucifixes and wondered if she really cares about what Jesus says? We have at least one example in the Bible where Jesus criticized some followers for seeking him for the wrong, selfish reasons.

John 6:24-27 When the people therefore saw that Jesus was not there, neither his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus. (25) And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said unto him, Rabbi, when camest thou hither? (26) Jesus answered them and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled. (27) Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed.

Here he confronts these people that are seeking him. He tells them that they were only looking for him because the day before he fed the large crowd of people and they were looking for another free meal.

Do people “follow” Jesus today for selfish or wrong reasons? Perhaps. If they did then they probably do today as well.

In our text this morning we find that two disciples that heard Jesus speak....and they followed him! They followed him BECAUSE of the message! They followed him BECAUSE of the truths that he spoke! They followed him BECAUSE of the hope that only Jesus can offer because of his Good news!

Likewise, in Jesus’ response to to those following Jesus for food, he tells them in verse 27...labor not for worldly, temporary stuff, but rather labor the “meat” or substance that can lead to eternal life! That is ONLY the word of God!

Do You GET Jesus?

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. (4) In him was life; and the life was the light of men. (5) And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

This passage tells us so much about our Savior. That he is eternal in nature. That Jesus is Deity...He IS God! That he was integral and vital in the creation process and in Him is life eternal. As important and critical as those truths are, most attention is often given to the first 4 verses so I want to focus on verse 5.

In verse 5, Jesus is compared to light, in contrast to the darkness of the world. But it was not just a simple contrast, through inspiration, the writer very subtly shows the power of Jesus. For he “shined” in the darkness. Like a simple match can overpower the darkness of a deep, dark cave, Jesus, against incredible odds, shines and gives hope in this dark world. But notice the last statement. “...The darkness comprehended it not.” Notice the profoundness in that statement. Can you imagine being lost ina cave and suddenly you see a small light in the distance and not gravitating to it? It seems obvious that most of us would make our way to that light for it represents salvation. But that is the opposite of what the Bible says. The world, the darkness...even some religious folks don’t REALLY “Get” Jesus. Oh they see him! Many even think that they have embraced our savior. But the darkness comprehends it NOT.

Matthew 7:21-23 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (22) Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? (23) And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

Jesus says that not everyone that claims him as Lord really get him.....because they simply are not willing to do what he says.